Jerry Brown As Governor of California

Jerry Brown took his oath of office as Governor of California taking over from Arnold Schwarzenegger. Brown returns to the post after leaving it 28 years ago. However, he is looking at a different scenario with the state more troubled now than before.



The first time he served California, Brown was the most famous bachelor. Now, he is married to former Gap Inc. Executive Anne Gust Brown, whom he married in 2005. California Supreme Court Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauve sworn him to office while his wife held the Bible believed to have been owned by Gust Brown’s grandfather and was used during their wedding.

The state’s $15 billion general fund is lower than it was in 2008, representing a considerable decrease in tax revenues as a result of the recession that had a great impact of California’s economy. In his inaugural speech, Brown said that the state’s 38.8 million people will undergo huge courage and sacrifice.

While his predecessors held inaugural balls after taking their oath of office, Brown practiced austerity measures. His inaugural speech was 15 minutes long and the only other person who spoke during the program was his wife. This practice was quite evident even during the first time he served as governor. He chose to live in a sparsely furnished apartment than on the governor’s mansion and chose to drive a Plymouth than ride a limousine.

The new governor had already met with lawmakers and state finance officials concerning the state of California’s finances as well as its public school system. He will be in serious negotiation with dug-in lawmakers in his attempt to broker deals with them. Anne Gust Brown is expected to play a crucial role in his administration.

Jerry Brown will become only the second official to become California governor for three terms. He was the 34th governor from 1975 – 1983 came before the implementation of voter-imposed term limits. In his last two terms, he often received criticism for his desire to assume higher positions. He vied for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 1976 and four years later. In 1982, he lost in his attempt to win a seat in the US Senate.